Policies & Guidelines

For the comfort and safety of Metro Transit passengers, we ask that all passengers follow our rules of the road & sea.

Please note that reference to Metro Transit vehicles include both buses & ferries.

Smoking

Passengers are not permitted to smoke while on transit vehicles, bus shelters and terminals, or ferry terminals in accordance with the Fares & Property By-law, prohibiting smoking in public transportation vehicles and facilities.

Violators will be subject to a maximum penalty of $1000 under the by-law.

Food and Beverages

Food and beverages are not permitted on buses for the purpose of consumption due to specific safety issues; however, they are allowed on the ferries. We recognize some passengers may bring food or beverages from home and ask that they store the items in containers with secure, safety lids.

Animals

With the exception of Seeing-Eye Dogs and other trained working dogs, animals are not allowed on Metro Transit vehicles, unless properly restrained in a closed cage so the animal will not cause a disturbance or damage to the vehicle.

Clothing

Passengers are required to wear a shirt or top and footwear while travelling on Metro Transit vehicles.

Scents

Passengers are ask to respect the comfort of others who are sensitive to fragrances and consider a “scent free” environment.

Advertising Policy

Metro Transit regularly sells advertising which is displayed on its buses, ferry vessels and terminals, as a means to support the operation of the transit system.

Additional operational subsidies available to pay for the transit system are raised either through transit fares or municipal taxes. All advertising sold and displayed on Metro Transit must comply with the Canadian Code of Advertising Standards.

All advertising displayed on Metro Transit vehicles features the name of the advertiser which has paid for the placement of the advertisement.

Advertising featured on Metro Transit vehicles does not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM), Metro Transit, or its employees.

Questions on the advertising policy should be directed to Metro Transit’s Public Affairs Office at 490-6614.

For specific advertising information, please refer to the contact information provided below:

For interior & exterior advertising:

• Pattison Outdoor Advertising
  468-0056

For bus stop bench advertising:

• Creative Outdoor Advertising
  1-800-661-6088 ext. 761

For transit shelter advertising:

• CBS Outdoor
  468-1513 ext. 2

Non-profit organizations may inquire about interior advertising space donations by calling the Metro Transit Public Affairs office at 490-6614
or 490-6952.

Anti-Idling Policy

Metro Transit, by virtue of being mass transit, is providing a partial solution for all our environmental concerns. We have experimented with alternative fuels, including biodiesel, which MetroLink currently uses. Engines are becoming more fuel-efficient and as Metro Transit increases its fleet and purchases newer the bus, the better the fuel efficiency. 

As it currently stands, after 3 minutes, Metro Transit operators are encouraged to turn off the engines. However, there are many extenuating circumstances where operators are asked to use discretion. For example, on a cold day to keep the bus warm for themselves (remember, the bus is the operators workplace), or passengers; or on a hot day to keep the air conditioning on for passengers' comfort. As well, it takes about a minute after a bus is turned on to allow the air pressure to properly build up.

Standing Passengers

Metro Transit is governed by the Board Public Passenger Motor Carrier Act Regulations, which are enabled by the Motor Carrier Act. 

The relevant excerpt from the regulation states:

No motor carrier shall permit a driver of a public passenger vehicle that provides a general service, route service or regular service to carry more than 50% more passengers than the seating capacity of the vehicle.

The regulation includes all types of roads travelled, including highways and the 100 series highways.

Other Policies

• Waste bags, inlcuding compost, recycling or garbage are not permitted on any Metro Transit vehicles.
  
• Passengers using audio/video equipment are asked to use earphones and adjust the volume accordingly as to not disturb other passengers.
  
• Passengers must refrain from using profanity.
  
• Passengers entitled to a reduced fare MUST present required identification upon boarding. If ID is not available, the full adult fare must be paid.
  
• Rollerblades are prohibited on Metro Transit vehicles.

Important Information

Metro Transit operators do their best to follow the posted schedules in order for you to arrive to your destination safely and on time. However, on occasion, road construction, inclement weather or traffic tie-ups may cause delays in the schedule. Your patience and understanding is appreciated during these times.

Metro Transit operators have the authority to deny passengers the right to board Metro Transit vehicles or remove any passenger who may be causing a disturbance or damage to the vehicle.